ADD or ADHD?

1
ADD or ADHD?

• Official clinical diagnosis is Attention
  Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD
• ADD used as generic term for all typ0es of ADHD
• Basically talking about the same thing, whether
  you say ADD or ADHD

• ADD affects approximately 5 of children and
  adolescents and 2 or adults
• Impacts about 2 students in every classroom
  across America

2
Definition

• ADD is a diagnostic label given to children and
  adults displaying certain characteristic
  behaviors over a period of time. The most common
  core features include
• Inattention/distractibility
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity
• Boredom

• To meet diagnostic criteria
• Behaviors must continue for at least 6 months
• Problems apparent before age of 7
• Impairment from symptoms present in 2 more more
  settings

3
Common Symptoms

• Failing to give close attention to details or
  making careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention to tasks
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Failing to follow instructions carefully and
  completely
• Losing or forgetting important things
• Feeling restless- fidgeting with hands and feet
  or squirming
• Running or climbing excessively
• Talks excessively, blurts out answers
• Difficulty awaiting turn

Nature and severity of symptoms varies widely
between cases 1/3 of those with ADD do not have
hyperactivity component
4
Effects on Education

• Classroom setting probably the worst possible
  setting for ADD children
• Many distractions
• Told to sit still and not talk
• Need to pay attention to boring, repetitive
  worksheets, etc.
• Need to keep on task until work is finished

• Many students hit a wall
• Continual struggles